Lewis Associates e-Newsletter
Volume 11 Issue 10
October 2012
Published by Lewis Associates. Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD., Editor
Email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
with your comments. Enjoy!
Self-Assessment. I have long understood that knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are is KEY to establishing an effective strategy for getting from "where you are" to "where you want to be". See our free online self-assessment on our home page to start this process.
For those who are REALLY serious, contact us to do your Personal Assessment to use Dr. Lewis' 27 years of experience plus her objective perspective from working with most of the medical and other health professions schools in the U.S. and some international schools to provide YOUR personal strategy.
Do you really want to be competitive?
1. Plan ... ahead!
2. Address your weaknesses. What are they?
- Science GPA?
- Test (MCAT, DAT) scores, or do you need to take the test for the first time?
- Clinical experiences? How meaningful are they?
- Service? What did you do to help others?
- No close relationships with faculty?
And, how long will it take to really improve? One term? 2 years? Be realistic!
So, whatever quest you have, or issue you want to discuss, Dr. Lewis is the best person to use for personal and academic advice. She's been doing it for 27 years, and "has heard it all". Why don't you let her help you?
805-226-9669
imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
This month's question on Dr. Lewis' Facebook page is: "How do I establish my plan to study for the MCAT?"
Getting into medical, dental, pharmacy and the other health professions schools is getting HARDER!
As usually happens in an economic downturn, more people are attracted to stable careers like the health professions…competition is fierce!
How are YOU going to stand out from thousands of applicants?
Warning about student-run websites from Cornell Medical School Admissions staff:
"PLEASE do not encourage students to get information from web sites
administered by other students. From time to time, I look up the studentdoctor.net
site (for interview ratings) and I am appalled at the amount of misinformation
there. Most of the information given there will hurt students more than
help them."
Sick of rumors and false reports? Lewis Associates website has factual information that you can trust.
What's inside:
Welcome to Success Stories Newsletter!
News:
How to Communicate With Us
Your journey to a health profession
Are You Ready for the Class of 2014 or 2015?
Testimonials
Track Record
Be Competitive
What Are Your Chances?
Getting Started
• Doctors who view medicine as a calling are more satisfied
• Doctor Shortage May Swell to 130,000 With Cap
• Increasingly popular medical school applicant interview process favors extroverts
• Success in residency tied to team sports, study says
• Affirmative action: High court may rewrite med school admission policies
• Tools for the struggle to eliminate health disparities
• Report spells out 6 steps to reduce health disparities
• Nearly half of physicians struggle with burnout
• Evolution of the hospitalist
• Emergency doctors say study overestimates avoidable ED visits
• Expanded access to primary care linked to lower health costs
• Massive job losses expected under Medicare sequester
Useful Links
• Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
• Global Health Learning Opportunities (GHLO)
Alumni Update
• Janie, Katie's mom, Entering Class of 2012, University of California San Diego School of Medicine
• Joseph E. Allen, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego
Success Story of the Month
• Maressa, Entering Class of 2012, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Question of the Month
• Dr. Lewis' answer to this month's question: "How do I establish my plan to study for the MCAT?"
See our Facebook page, Advising Tips tab.
Nearly one in ten Americans ages 20 to 24 is unemployed. But, health
care jobs remain an economic bright spot. The U.S. Department of
Labor expects the health sector to add more than 1.4 million workers over
the next ten years. Students in college and even high school can start
preparing now for a rewarding health career.
Are you ready?
Our Track Record
Entering Class of 2012...100% acceptance
Entering Class of 2011...100% acceptance
Entering Class of 2010...86% acceptance
Entering Class of 2009...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2008...96% acceptance
Entering Class of 2007...97% acceptance
Entering Class of 2006...89% acceptance
Entering Class of 2005...100% acceptance
Entering Class of 2004...100% acceptance
If you are interested in personalized advising from “The Best in the Business,” (quote by Dr. Patrick Linson, Harvard Medical School Alum who is the only Native American Radiation Oncologist on the planet!), call Lewis Associates today to schedule YOUR personal assessment. Dr. Lewis invests in you, so you may live up to your potential to be the best applicant you can be!
Phone: 805-226-9669
|
Email: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com |
| Mailing Address: 1885 Laguna del Campo, Templeton, CA 93465 | |
Lewis Associates absorbs Long Distance Charges
All phone conferences are made from our office to you. Marcia, our Administrative Assistant, calls YOU at your appointment time.
Where are you
in your journey to a health profession?
In high school? Yes, we advise high school students,
particularly, those interested in BA-MD programs!
Just starting college? This is a scary time. Everything
is new…how do I meet all those new expectations?
Moving into your difficult upper division sciences as a college
junior? Possibly, the "dreaded organic chemistry"…
Re-entering as an "older" non-traditional student?
Re-establishing academic discipline…
We help prepare those of you submitting applications for medical
and dental Residency programs, too!
Whatever niche you fit, we advise students just like you.
Are you REALLY ready to apply for the Class of 2014 or 2015?
How do you know?
Use our Personal
Assessment--and you will be given your individual strategy
and path to your future! Then, if you use our advising, we help implement
your strategy! If it
were easy to do, all applicants would be accepted...and, that is not the
case.
Many whom we advise may not yet be ready, and need to develop some aspect
of their background to become competitive. Best to apply when
you are ready, be competitive, and do it ONLY ONCE!
Let's work together to make that one-time application successful…contacting
us earlier is better so we can develop your strategy and address all those
difficult problems…months or years prior to application.
Why not set yourself up for success, rather than toy with the proposition
of failure?
Testimonials
Gail Ruth, mother of Todd Ruth, Entering Class of
2010, Jefferson University Medical School
Just a short note here to let you know how appreciative we are
of all the wonderful help you gave to our son, Todd. He just received
his first 2 acceptances from his top choices, so we couldn't be more pleased.!
You were instrumental in guiding him as to which courses to take and gave
him invaluable help with his essays. Thanks once again for all your help
and guidance.
David and Maureen Lee, parents of Eric Lee, Entering Class of
2009, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
June, 2009: "Dr. Lewis, We just wanted to drop you a quick
note to say thank you for all of your strategic guidance, wise counsel,
encouragement, and mentoring to our son Eric on his journey to get into
medical school. That is quite a process!! Eric definitely took the "road
less traveled", majoring in philosophy, but he worked really hard
to get his science prerequisites under his belt. He benefited so much
from your experience, insight, and when needed, "tough love".
You kept him on track, and we thank you. We think he will be an excellent
physician. Perhaps some day we will meet. Again with gratitude, David
and Maureen Lee."
Michael Nevarez, Entering Class of 2006, Harvard University School
of Medicine, his first choice school
"Dr. Lewis was a wonderful guide and mentor as I embarked
on a medical career a number of years after graduating from Cal Poly (graduated
2001, applied to med school in 2006). She gave an honest assessment of
the strengths and weaknesses of my profile, and more importantly provided
specific and personalized ways in which I could address
my application and the process going forward. Her advice and experience
was invaluable and I am very happy to have worked with her."
Margaret Jolley, Entering Class of 2008, UC San Diego School of
Medicine, her first choice school
"I never would've made it without my weekly conference with the calm,
experienced Dr. Lewis. She kept me sane. I am so grateful for her guidance,
for her editing help, and for the confidence she instilled in me. She
is a genuinely caring committed Mentor who takes pride in helping our
dreams happen. I have urged every fellow student I know to call her. Let
her help you, too!"
Austin Yoder, Entering Class of 2009, Accepted to Uniformed
Services University for Health Sciences, Philadelphia Osteopathic-GA,
West Virginia Osteopathic, Tennessee Osteopathic, and
Kansas City Osteopathic
"I am utterly grateful to Dr. Lewis for all her help, guidance and
mentorship through the application process. I owe a great deal of my success
to date to her team."
Ariel Chairez, Entering Class 2004, Scholarship Awardee, University
of Wisconsin Medical School
"Dr. Lewis, I would like to thank you for all of your help.
Without your guidance, I would not have been accepted
into medical school this year. I am extremely happy to have been accepted
to one of the top medical schools in the country, and to have received
a scholarship of $130,000. For any student who questions the value
of your services, I can say that you have saved me $130,000 in tuition!
Thank you."
John Fiszer (Lawyer), Entering Class of 2005,
University Of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Dr. Lewis' note: John was an Assistant State's Prosecuting Attorney in
Chicago, Illinois, when he contacted me in 2004. Finishing his 4th year
of medical school, he said: "I am really enjoying med school, and
I am thankful to Dr. Lewis for her help. Her methodical, disciplined approach
to the med school application process, as well as her insight into the
transition to med school were right on target."
Ali Warrick, Advisee
"Dear Dr. Lewis,
I appreciate your help in my transfer process to UC Berkeley. You have
been an integral part of the transition, and I would like to thank you
for your time and efforts. I know that your work is very thorough
and well thought out. In addition, I believe that you really care about
your students, and believe in each student's "right fit" in
a school. You lead many people toward a brighter future, and I would like
to say, 'Thank You!' for your contribution toward my academic goals. This
process has been much more enjoyable with your guidance. Thank you for
being so good at what you do."
S, Entering Class 2008, accepted with full scholarship
to Mayo Medical School
"I cannot thank Dr. Lewis enough for her support and invaluable advice.
When I came to her, I was apprehensive about the formidable task of applying
to medical school especially with my past academic and personal hardships.
She helped me see that overcoming these difficulties was a testament to
my strength, dedication, and diligence. One of the most surprising outcomes
of our relationship was that she was effective in helping me develop a
more positive self-image and conquer many of my insecurities. Without
her guidance and letter of evaluation, I would not have been able to earn
an acceptance to Mayo Medical School, which granted me a merit scholarship
that covers almost all of my tuition. I truly appreciate all of her help.
She went above and beyond her role as an Advisor by becoming a Mentor
to me. She is absolutely the best in the business!"
Be Competitive
In order to be a competitive Class of 2014 or 2015 applicant,
you need to submit a quality application as evaluated by your clinical,
service and other experiences and your GPA-MCAT/DAT/GRE, etc. profile
in a timely fashion. This requires a well thought-out strategy to carry
you through the difficult year-long application process. If you use Dr.
Lewis' advising, we begin preparation early in the year BEFORE submission
of your application!
EARLY is always better, removes much of the pressure, and allows time to solve unforeseen problems and challenges.
What are your chances?
If you want to change your career, or reach your present career goal,
but do not know how to begin, or how to jump over all those hurdles, Lewis
Associates will advise you and implement strategies to change your life.
Dr. Lewis is thorough and professional.
Getting Started
Read on our website about
getting your Personal
Assessment done, then phone or email
us to get started! Dr. Lewis spends, on average, 7 hours developing
an effective strategy of taking you from where you are to where you want
to be.
You may be like our other Lewis Associates Advisees -- highly motivated
and intelligent -- but needing focus, guidance and specific technical
expertise. Dr. Lewis solves problems for her Advisees and finds opportunities
for them. Or, you may wish to use hourly advising to solve one specific
problem.
Dr. Lewis is a trained Biologist, having taught and directed her own research
programs for many years at two universities. She earned two postdoctoral
fellowships (one at NIH), received the 1990 NACADA Outstanding
Institutional Advising Program in the U.S. and directed her own Health
Careers Opportunity Program grant for 6 years, bringing $1 million to
her university while helping hundreds of disadvantaged
students enter health professions.
If you are serious about making your dreams to become a physician,
dentist, physician assistant, veterinarian, optometrist, podiatrist, naturopathic
physician, or pharmacist a reality--Dr. Lewis can help you.
We have made the difference for more than 800 alumni now training or practicing
in medicine over the last 26 years.
Dr. Lewis teaches Professionalism, Leadership, and Quality, and
sets high standards for her Advisees.
Lewis Associates will save you money and heartache on your preparation
and application process.
Contact the Health Career experts! For more
information email imaclewis@lewisassoc.com.
Call 805-226-9669 to set up your first appointment.
Doctors who view medicine as a calling are more satisfied
They feel better about caring for patients with complex conditions such as obesity and alcohol addiction than other physicians, research shows.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/10/prsc0910.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-txt&utm_campaign=20120910
Doctor Shortage May Swell to 130,000 With Cap
With a shortage of doctors in the U.S. already and millions of new patients set to gain coverage under President Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul, American medical schools are struggling to close the gap.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-29/doctor-shortage-may-swell-to-130-000-with-u-s-cap.html
Increasingly popular medical school applicant interview process favors extroverts
Although conscientiousness is the personality factor that predicts better performance in medical school and physician practice, a new UC Davis study has found that extroversion is the only personality type associated with better performance in the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) process, an increasingly popular method for interviewing and selecting medical students.
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/6802#.UE5bqz5SwxE.email
Success in residency tied to team sports, study says
What objective factors might help indicate a resident's potential?
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/amawire/2012-september-12/2012-september-12-medical_student.shtml?P=S&C=S&G=F&M=T&I=F&W=T&Y=F&S=F
Affirmative action: High court may rewrite med school admission policies
A ruling against considering race and ethnicity could hurt efforts to make the physician work force more diverse, professional organizations say.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/24/prl20924.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20120924
Tools for the struggle to eliminate health disparities
Measures of cultural competency developed by the AMA and approved by the National Quality Forum can guide key system changes.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/10/edsa0910.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-txt&utm_campaign=20120910
Report spells out 6 steps to reduce health disparities
Researchers outline a road map designed to help physicians and organizations evaluate disparities in their practices and move toward solutions.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/03/prsb0903.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-txt&utm_campaign=20120903
Nearly half of physicians struggle with burnout
High rates of exhaustion and depersonalization are driving many to consider leaving practice, which would exacerbate doctor shortages and affect patient care, experts say.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/03/prl20903.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-txt&utm_campaign=20120903
Evolution of the hospitalist
Numerous specialties are starting to see the appeal of having some physicians focus on office-based care while others stay in the hospital.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/03/bisa0903.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-txt&utm_campaign=20120903
Emergency doctors say study overestimates avoidable ED visits
A Massachusetts report suggests that expansions in primary care access are necessary.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/17/gvsa0917.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20120917
Expanded access to primary care linked to lower health costs
A study suggests that insurers save money when patients can be seen by doctors after-hours, and that physicians might need to expand their work schedules.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/17/bisc0917.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20120917
Massive job losses expected under Medicare sequester
The specter of a half-million lost health jobs in 2013 alone from Medicare cuts intensifies calls for Congress to stop the budget-slashing sequestration.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/09/24/gvl10924.htm?utm_source=nwltr&utm_medium=heds-htm&utm_campaign=20120924
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
The centers are concerned with improving healthcare in underserved communities and recruiting and retaining underrepresented students in the health care professions but are open to all students interested in serving these communities.
http://www.nationalahec.org/AHECDirectory.taf
Global Health Learning Opportunities (GHLO)
GHLO will facilitate clinical and research elective rotations globally for final year medical students.
https://www.aamc.org/services/ghlo/
Find these and other useful links on Lewisassoc.com's Links Page.
 Katie and her family Janie, Katie's mom, Entering Class of 2012, University of California San Diego School of Medicine September 1, 2012: "Dear Dr. Lewis, Yesterday we attended Katie's white coat ceremony at UCSD. †As I'm sure many parents were doing, I sat there and reflected on how yesterday had come about, and of course, you came to mind. †Through your guidance and counsel, Katie achieved what we never thought possible; admittance to top medical schools, and more exciting for us, admittance to her home town school, UCSD. ††It was a long road she traveled to get there, and without your weekly support, it was a road she would not have been able to make. †You were a 'tough parent,' and there were many times Katie didn't like what you told her...but you knew what she needed to achieve to accomplish her goal, and you kept her focused and motivated. †We are extremely grateful to you for providing your expert knowledge, experience, and patience to Katie over the past 3 years. †Thanks to you, she is living her dream! I've attached a photo of Katie with some family members at the ceremony. Janie" |
Joe Joseph E. Allen, M.D., Entering Class of 1995, St Georges University; Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, NJ; Sports Medicine Fellowship at UCSD; private practice in Sports and Family Medicine in San Diego September 19, 2012: " Hi Dr. Lewis, Have you ever wanted to play the Art Critic? I would like you all to please tell me in a single paragraph, in your own written words and descriptive prose...exactly WHAT you SEE and HOW you FEEL! I am seeking quotations, commentary, feedback, observation, impressions, suggestions, and written testimonials from YOU - the casual observer, the art collector, the gallery owner, the museum director, the contemporary art aficionado, and fellow artists alike. Thank you in advance for your contributions, and best wishes to all of you viewing http://joesworkshop.com from around the globe! All the best, Joe" |
Watch for Success Stories coming for some of these alumni!
success story
 Maressa Maressa, Entering Class of 2012, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School In my Italian culture, family is strongly valued. Having a father who is also a physician, I was always extremely fascinated with my dad’s career as a doctor, discussing cases with him and shadowing him in hopes of gauging about the medical profession during my high school years. Yet, the most influential experience in shaping my desire to become a physician occurred when my Grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Although his cognitive decay took an emotional toll on my family, our support was vital. After observing the progression of this ruthless disease, I sought a volunteer experience at an assisted-living home for elders with Alzheimer’s, in hopes of gaining insight. After observing the manifestation of Alzheimer’s in my grandfather, I became fascinated with its biochemistry, leading me to the Center for Dementia Research. I did immunohistochemistry on Alzheimer-positive tissue from transgenic mice, revealing the association of lysosomes with senile plaques. My experiences with basic research and clinical service in Alzheimer’s established my interest in the brain. I wanted to broaden my experience with neurological disorders by exploring a young patient population. Immediately, my 10-year-old cousin Anthony came to mind. Anthony was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at 3. Although he has received intensive speech and behavioral therapy, Anthony displays deficits in social behavior and communication skills. My encounters with Anthony have motivated me to seek others affected by this disorder. After failing to find a student group focusing on autism, I contacted the national Autism Speaks, to establish a student chapter. At first, my Co-Founder and I were the only members, sending e-mails and posting flyers to raise awareness. At our first meeting, only 4 students attended. Although I was left frustrated, I maintained a positive attitude, establishing a sense of teamwork by setting goals and delegating power to these members. By maintaining confidence, dedication, and compassion, I exceeded our previous goals, as demonstrated in the influx of members at our next meeting. Autism Speaks U now has over 300 active members, ensuring a legacy upon my graduation. As Co-Founder and Co-President, I have dedicated my heart and soul to its success. I have realized that leaders are not made, but grow from their successes and failures. My cultural sensitivity has established a sense of loyalty to all patients, regardless of age, sex, and background. My experiences providing service to individuals of all ages and backgrounds have established my desire to practice family medicine, where a patient’s context in family and the community are important for diagnosis. Studying healthcare disparities inspires me to educate about disease prevention, thus promoting health in communities. I hope to practice in family medicine, do clinical research on Alzheimer’s and autism, and educate about health disparities. Dr. Lewis played an influential role in my application to medical school. She provided me invaluable insight in my journey to medical school, an application cycle that can be confusing and frustrating. I knew I was never alone in the process of applying to medical school, as Dr. Lewis worked with me to improve my application in every way possible. Specifically, she helped me balance my clinical experience, research, and schoolwork, providing me substantial guidance as to what areas needed improvement to be a competitive candidate. Dr. Lewis provided honest advice as to weaknesses in my application and worked with me to address them. I also enjoyed working with Dr. Lewis for the MCAT. By having to continuously update Dr. Lewis about my MCAT studying, I was motivated to spend a substantial amount of time studying. It was an exceptional experience working with Dr. Lewis and I would suggest her to anyone applying to or interested in attending medical or health professional school. With her guidance, I was able to gain acceptance to a great medical school and pursue my passion of becoming a doctor! Thank you Dr. Lewis! |
Email to Dr. Lewis if you wish to communicate about medical schools or other issues or to contact those profiled in Success Stories: imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
question of the month... see Facebook, Advising Tips tab
By Dr. Cynthia Lewis, PhD
"How do I establish my plan to study for the MCAT?"
We will feature an important question each month. Please submit one that interests you for Dr. Lewis to answer. Send your questions to imaclewis@lewisassoc.com with 'Newsletter Question' in the subject line.
lewis associates advising services
Lewis Associates specializes in personal, effective and professional
premedical advising and placement for traditional and non-traditional
applicants. Often, non-traditional students are older than 21 years
of age, career changers, international applicants or second-round applicants
for admission to health professions school.
Lewis Associates' services meet the needs of all types of students from
pre-applicants to applicants, including hourly advising support for
specific needs. Click
here.
contact
"It's never too late to be who you might have been."
If this is how YOU feel, then, maybe Lewis Associates is the place
for you. Lewis Associates provides Mentoring and Coaching through
the rigorous and often circuitous pre-health preparation and application
process. Other consultants may support programs like Law and Business
or graduate school -- not Lewis Associates. We are the experts in
Health Professions based on 26 years of a successful
track record.
Call or email today to set your first appointment!
805.226.9669 imaclewis@lewisassoc.com
Copyright 2009, Lewis Associates. All rights reserved. Please do not repost on any website without direct permission from Lewis Associates.
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